News from RAILS & Libraries

We are pleased to announce that RAILS is now an Illinois state-approved professional development provider authorized to issue professional development credit to Illinois licensed educators for license renewal purposes. This alignment with Illinois state standards for professional development ensures...

Congratulations to the 2024 candidates who have been elected to the RAILS Board: At-Large Seats Amanda Kowalcze, Frankfort Public Library District Emily Porter, Byron Public Library District Public Library Trustee Seats Jennifer Cutshall, Homewood Public Library District Anupam Goel, Clarendon Hills...

From the My Library Is ... Blog: The administration of Saint Patrick High School in Chicago decided to renovate the James J. Barrett Learning Resource Center during the 2022-2023 school year. During the renovation, the carpeting and furniture were replaced. Before the renovation, the collection was...

The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is awarding $2 million in new grants to assist public libraries in underserved communities with needed technology enhancements, Secretary and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced today. According to the Secretary of State’s office, 113 public libraries...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, Quad City Botanical Center in Rock Island! Adjacent to the Mississippi River in downtown Rock Island, Illinois, the Quad City Botanical Center is comprised of an indoor...

The Illinois State Library has notified RAILS that a vendor has been selected for the statewide e-resource package. The Illinois Office of the Secretary of State and the Illinois State Library have not officially announced this news. Therefore, RAILS cannot officially comment on this situation other...

The Lillie M. Evans Library District will be hosting our free concert series on the first 3 Fridays in June 2024. This is our 7th year providing these family-friendly concerts in Princeville’s Stevens Square. Please bring your own lawn chairs for your seating comfort or feel free to stay in your...

From the My Library Is ... Blog: Are graphic novels as HUGE in your library as they are in mine? It is our most highly circulated section, and every single title circulates at least once per school year. Safe to say, we love graphic novels here at Adler Park School. Read the full post on the My...

From the My Library Is ... Blog: In January of 2020 our library was given a brand-new space. The idea was for our library’s physical space to be a more sophisticated college-like space for our young adult high school students. We also heavily our collection heavily and got rid of the old. However...

From the My Library Is ... Blog: On January 29, 2024 Northern Illinois University Libraries opened a new exhibit displaying large Mexican sculpture pieces known as alebrijes. The exhibit, which will remain open until November 8, presents a collection of 23 pieces created by six artists from Mexico...

This is the final week to vote in the 2024 RAILS Board Election. As a representative of a RAILS member library, your vote matters! Each year, RAILS member libraries cast their ballots to help determine our governing board. Voting ends on Friday, May 24, 5 p.m. Central. Each RAILS member library...

Dan and Monica talk all things digital accessibility in this month's episode, including an overview of our new Pulse Page, a continuing education opportunity on June 12, and the rescheduled RAILS Member Update. Relevant Links: Digital Accessibility Pulse Page RAILS Member Update, June 6 The Modern...

RAILS is now offering copies of the 2024 Illinois Library Laws & Rules book. This essential compilation includes all current laws and rules affecting library service in Illinois. The purchase price of $25 includes the book and flash drive. Visit the Deals & Discounts web page of the RAILS website...

We welcome staff at all levels from all types of RAILS libraries (academic, public, school, and specialized) to join the RAILS Member Update on Thursday, June 6, from 10 to 11 a.m. on Zoom. This event was originally planned for Wednesday, May 8, but had to be postponed. Topics will include a...

Illinois Central College has a Library Technical Assistant program and would like to understand if employers require or prefer candidates to have this credential when they apply for library positions in your organization. Please take this very short survey to let us know what's happening in your...